Conditions InDepth: Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a
sexually transmitted disease
(STD) that can result in many types of infections in both women and men. It is the most commonly reported infectious disease in the United States even though many cases go unreported because people don't know they have it. Chlamydia can cause serious reproductive complications if left untreated. The good news is that chlamydia is detectable, curable, and easy to treat.

Causes

Chlamydia is caused by a specific bacterium. It is transmitted via body fluids through oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner. The bacterium infects the cervix (entrance to the uterus), urethra (the tube that carries urine from the body), rectum, or throat depending on the route of transmission. You can transmit and acquire chlamydia without ejaculation.

Transmission can also occur from an infected mother to a newborn during childbirth. The baby is exposed to the bacteria in the birth canal, which may cause
conjunctivitis
(an eye infection) or
pneumonia
(a lung infection).

You can be exposed to more than one STD at a time. Other STDs include
gonorrhea
, human papillomavirus (HPV), or
HIV
. The doctor may test for other STDs if chlamydia is suspected or diagnosed.

You can be exposed to more than one STD at a time. Other STDs include
gonorrhea
, human papillomavirus (HPV), or
HIV
. The doctor may test for other STDs if chlamydia is suspected or diagnosed.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.